(Photo courtesy VIEWS)
The banner is up and the final-week countdown is on – Saturday, August 8th, you’re invited to Delridge Community Center/Park/Skatepark for the Delridge Day festival, presented by VIEWS. It’s a full day of excitement packed into four hours, 11 am-3 pm. For the first time in a few years, this year’s festival will include a skate competition, presented by Alki Bike and Board; whether you want to skate or just watch, that’ll be high-energy fun. Field games, a bouncy house, community groups, vendors … plus the Seattle Police Foundation is again sponsoring “Picnic at the Precinct” as part of the festival, with visiting police officers and vehicles, and free ice cream. The park’s at Delridge/Genesee – see you there!

P.S. On Delridge Day eve, Friday, August 7th, at 7:30 pm, you’re invited to a free outdoor screening of “Big Hero 6” in the park, presented by Delridge Community Center and Southwest Youth and Family Services.

(WSB photo from 2013 Alki Art Fair)
Another full weekend of summer fun ahead – with highlights including the Alki Art Fair, on the boardwalk tomorrow and Sunday. Along with artists/vendors under canopies, you’ll find live music on three stages, two by the Bathhouse and one on the boardwalk. The schedule is still being finalized, festival organizers tell us, but some acts/times are listed here. You can also visit Seal Sitters at the Alki Art Fair, and they tell us Spud is giving their group $1 of each chowder sale during the festival. Speaking of food, here’s what the festival says about its vendors:

Lemongrass Restaurant will be offering a variety of Asian food, David and Sons Kettle Corn – Pop! will be offering Kettle Corn, mini donuts and slushies, Baskin Robbins will be offering ice cream, JJFROYOGO will be offering a variety of soft serve yogurt and ice cream products.

The festival runs 10 am-6 pm both days, with music until 9 on Saturday and 8 on Sunday, so you have the opportunity to have dinner at the beach, too – you might consider making reservations at our two WSB sponsor restaurants at the beach, Phoenecia and Cassis.

Back to what’s offered at the fair: Check out the silent auction and a children’s art activity area for make-and-take arts and crafts. And if you aren’t already planning to walk, run, bus, bike, or paddle to Alki Art Fair, here’s another option – the shuttle bus – different route this year:

A free shuttle bus will be running both days 9:30 – 6:30 from the Park and Ride area under the SW Spokane Street bridge up Admiral stopping at California to the Alki Art Fair and circling back about every 1/2 hour to expand our parking options.

With today’s warm weather, it’s not much of a stretch to feel positively Mediterranean at Hiawatha Community Center‘s park. Of course, the annual Mediterranean Fantasy Festival‘s dancing, costumes, music, and backdrops all help. We stopped by briefly after the West Seattle Grand Parade for a few photos – there’s so much going on, even a short visit will immerse you in the exotic ambience. That includes a lawn full of vendors:

Along with dancing on the outdoor stage, it’s happening in the gym, too – here’s the lineup of continuous appearances. And inbetween applauding the artistry of the dancers, you can browse and buy all manner of adornment:

The festival – MedFest for short – is on until 7 pm today, and continues 11 am-5 pm tomorrow, no charge for admission. It’s in its 28th year and is presented by the Babylonian Ensemble, whose members explain here how it was created 28 years ago.

Once again this year, right about the same time the West Seattle Parade heads south from California/Lander, nearby Hiawatha Community Center starts shaking with this year’s Mediterranean Fantasy Festival, MedFest for short. It’s two days of dancing on outdoor (east lawn) and indoor (gym) stages, plus vendors and food, free admission – 11 am-7 pm Saturday and 11 am-5 pm Sunday. The list of who you’ll see and when starts here.

11:56 AM: The sun’s out and so are hundreds of people, already here at West Seattle Summer Fest in hour 1 of day 3! Above, that’s the view from our side of the Information Booth in the center of the California/Alaska intersection, looking north. Here’s the map of the festival grounds, on California between Genesee and Edmunds (Oregon remains open to traffic, so please use the crosswalks and lights there), and on Alaska between 44th and 42nd:

Up by the stage, on the north end of the festival zone, east side of California north of Oregon, you’ll find the official Summer Fest Beer Garden – where it’s Happy Hour all day today, $1 off. Here’s the music lineup:

Police are questioning the suspect right now in the breezeway north of 4730 California. Lt. Ron Smith says it’s the first incident of that type that he recalls at the festival in recent years. (Added: The suspect, a West Seattle man, was arrested and will be booked into King County Jail for investigation of felony theft robbery, according to Lt. Smith.)

12:55 PM: Music’s about to start up – see the schedule above. (added – Instagram clip of band #1, The Solvents):

Meantime, even if you’ve already been to the festival, you’ll likely find something new today, and deals too; for example, right across from where we are, north of the Info Booth, the QFC booth has discounted its coconuts – $3 today. A few storefronts north, on the east side of California, Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) is continuing its sale – all kids’ goods are 30 percent off, including colorable placemats.

At HomeStreet’s Junction branch, 41st/Alaska, it’s WestSide Baby Stuff the Bus time one week from today (July 19th) – if you can’t stop by next Sunday to donate diapers, visit the branch any time this week and drop your donation off.

3:35 PM: This is the point where the rest of the festival roars by. An hour and a half of fun remains – last band, Sick Sad World, is up at 4 pm (as mentioned earlier, Happy Hour at the Beer Garden by the stage – $1 off). And with the sun finally out today, it’s been perfect for features such as the dog pools up at Pet Junction.

You might find just the perfect thing for your house/apartment/garden … a guy just walked by with metal yard art, a fish made from rusted horseshoes.

Earlier, we mentioned some of the raffles – this one, we previewed before the festival, and here’s one more reminder about your chance to try for this outside the Senior Center:

-Come to the Info Booth and get a free West Seattle Community Resource Guide from Chamber reps
-Watch street performers
-Have an early dinner at the many Junction venues with festival-only outdoor seating, and people-watch until the end
-Last call for fair food – elephant ears, deep-fried PB&J, chocolate-dipped cheesecake…
-Shop! Easy Street has tons of music on sale
-Go see Seal Sitters in the Community Tent and find out about caring for local wildlife

Though an election is coming up – ballots go in the mail this Wednesday – we haven’t seen much campaigning today. We did get an Info Booth visit (our longstanding offer: We’ll photograph candidates who stop by) from School Board incumbent Marty McLaren:

And the folks from the Chamber, next to us in the Info Booth, will also be glad to tell you about the City Council District 1 candidates’ forum they’re presenting at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) this Wednesday night (5:30 pm July 15th)

Sure sign this is wrapping up: The QFC booth has run out of coconuts. Looks like a few fruit kabobs are left. Elsewhere, signs of cleanup and packing up – the festival breakdown takes several hours, so don’t expect the streets to reopen until relatively late tonight (we’ll publish an update when we find out). By our informal observation, Summer Fest has been VERY well-attended! Some who have stopped by the Info Booth have asked how to apply for a booth next year – the West Seattle Junction Association presents the festival, and usually puts out the call in winter, so watch wsjunction.org.

5:05 PM: It’s a wrap! Thanks so much to everyone who came to Summer Fest (which we co-sponsored again this year) to shop, browse, wander, explore, dine, drink, dance … and thanks to everyone who stopped by the Info Booth to say hi. Stay tuned to WSB for info on all the summer fun yet to come.

4:09 PM: The biggest day of West Seattle Summer Fest has REALLY been big. Lots and lots of people. And dogs! We couldn’t resist snapping the ones above, who were just outside the fence at the temporary outdoor seating at Talarico’s, one of many Junction venues that have outdoor seating – temp AND permanent – during the festival. If you’re just getting here, the basics, again:

4:58 PM: The Gray Sky Farms critters are still at GreenLife – don’t miss it at the south end of the festival zone:

Sheep too:

GreenLife is presented by Sustainable West Seattle; the people you’ll meet there include Stu Hennessey of Alki Bike and Board, who’ll be talking at 4 pm Sunday about “The Future of Cycling in Seattle.”

Also tomorrow at GreenLife, visit The Whale Trail, which will have an exhibit there. Donna Sandstrom of TWT says, “At 3 (Sunday) I’ll be talking about orcas on the GreenLife stage, followed by a game of Orca Bingo. Everyone is welcome to play! This is a special edition of a game we invented, customized especially for West Seattle Summer Fest.”

As we’ve been mentioning, the festival is a great chance to check out the always-here merchants as well as visiting vendors. Brian Presser runs Touch Tech Systems, inside the breezeway between Oregon and Alaska on the west side of California, but he’s on the sidewalk for Summer Fest:

The team from Emerald Water Anglers, usually found in their 42nd/Oregon shop, are in booth #156 for Summer Fest:

Next up at 6 pm, it’s S. The music schedule is this hour’s top topic at the Information Booth – we have it taped to the tablecloth, so you can just walk up and take a peek. It’s right next to our schedule cards for West Seattle Outdoor Movies – now a week away – one guy who just stopped by was stoked to see that “Zoolander” is kicking off this year’s slate.

Back to the booths – another of the upcoming events you can learn about here is the Alki Beach 5K, a fundraiser on August 23rd to help breast-cancer patients via Northwest Hope and Healing, whose Shari Sewell was at the booth when we stopped by:

More candidates today – we’re still catching up on photos. Just saw Port Commissioner candidate Norman Sigler walk by – remember, candidates who stop by the booth and say hi will get a picture – School Board candidate Nick Esparza just did:

Another School Board candidate, Leslie Harris, has stopped by too:

And earlier, we photographed City Council District 1 candidate Phil Tavel and family:

6:43 PM: Some vendors are still open – not a bad strategy, since lots of people are still roaming, all ages. Music ahead – Fame Riot at 7 pm, Kithkin at 8 pm, Voxmod at 9 pm, and the much-awaited The Cave Singers at 9:30 pm. Some are looking ahead to tomorrow already, and again asking the question: What happens to the Farmers’ Market tomorrow? 10 am-2 pm, usual hours, in its old location, the lot at 44th/Alaska, and then next Sunday (July 19th) and beyond, it’s back here on California SW between Alaska and Oregon.

7:06 PM: We’re wrapping up the info booth – back tomorrow by 11 (remember the festival opens an hour later on Sunday morning) – but first, a few more scenes:

The sidewalk drumming team got props from a fan. And minutes ago – another round of bubbling:

Also in the Community Tent right now – the West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network. Throughout the festival, you’ll find reps of cool community groups there, to tell you more about what they do and how you can get involved. The Community Tent schedule for the rest of the festival:

You’ll find some other local nonprofits interspersed with the vendor booths. Among them, the West Seattle Food Bank – west side of California between Oregon and Alaska – where you can buy a $5 raffle ticket for some great prizes.

And since lunch time is approaching, we thought we’d offer a quick video tour of the food zone today – the first :15 Instagram clip is the east half (east of the alley between the two new Junction 47 buildings), the second one is the west half.

Note the traditional fair food – deep-fried PBJs, elephant ears, curly fries – as well as heartier fare (including local restaurants Bang Bar and Matador). And if you haven’t been to The Junction since last Summer Fest, note some additions – Pagliacci Pizza is now open for slices, Coastline is open across the street from there (burgers), among others. Outside the food zone, you’ll find a few other spots, such as the QFC booth north of us, selling fruit kabobs ($3 or $4 with chocolate), coconuts ($4), water ($1), soda pop ($1), peanuts in the shell ($1).

Speaking of water, bring your own bottle and get it refilled at the GreenLife area toward the south end of the festival zone. GreenLife also has ongoing demonstrations, talks, and performances – the schedule is here.

12:24 PM: Compared to the heat wave we went through in recent weeks, today feels almost a little chilly. But nice. We’ve also noticed a few light droplets from the sky … major rain is NOT in the forecast so far but be ready for anything. Music’s under way up at the stage – right now, it’s Pig Snout, which is a family group, playing family music.

The stage, if you haven’t been here yet, is at the far north end of the festival, as is the beer garden, and that’s just north of Pet Junction (bet you can guess what that’s about). Electronic duo Navvi is up at 1 pm.

Back here in the heart of the festival zone, if you saw our item last night about applying here for an ORCA LIFT card – you can do that at the green-tent Metro booth just west of us:

Be sure to bring along the verification info they need. Metro’s not the only transportation agency here – if you have questions about the Highway 99 tunnel project, WSDOT is on the east side of the block between Alaska and Edmunds:

1:26 PM: Had our first missing-child situation a little while ago – hope it’s not information you need while here at the festival, but if you do, come to the Info Booth, and we’ll summon help – festival staff, police, etc. Speaking of the latter, we’ve just checked in with Southwest Precinct Lt. Ron Smith, who supervises the officers assigned to the festival, and he says it’s been pretty quiet.

1:35 PM: We mentioned the WS Food Bank raffle earlier – another benefit raffle you’ll find here at Summer Fest is at the Orca Network booth (#26, on the east side of California between Alaska and Edmunds) – $1, you don’t have to be present to win; winner will be drawn Sunday night and you’ll be contacted if it’s you. Here’s the flyer listing all the prizes, donated by local businesses.

2 PM: Timbre Barons are on stage now. When you head up that way, duck into the beer garden photo zone!

Susan Melrose of the Junction Association shared the photo of Josh Sutton and Susan Sutton. And speaking of tropical … the sun is finally starting to make a cameo appearance; the temperature’s been perfect, but it’s been cloudy all day – now, a sunbreak off to the west. Another contributed festival photo – this one from Ryan:

The mound o’fries is a popular choice in the food zone on Alaska east of California; on the west, it’s shift change at the Community Tent, with West Seattle Be Prepared and Southside Revolution there now, until 6 pm. Just talked to WSBP reps – be sure to get the new postcard showing where the Emergency Communication Hubs are – 13 in West Seattle now!

We’re continuing our as-it-happens coverage from the Summer Fest Info Booth in the heart of The Junction – where you can get a festival program, an info-card for the upcoming West Seattle Outdoor Movies series (six Saturday nights starting July 18th), the West Seattle Grand Parade (also on July 18th), and – just added – info about Alice Enevoldsen’s Plutopalooza fly-by watch on July 14th. More scenes from the festival, coming up. Infolinks:

While tonight’s official closing time is 6 pm, that’s mainly for merchandise vendors; food tends to stay open later, the kids’ rides (for which you have to buy tickets or wristbands) run until 8 tonight; the last band is at 9:30 pm.

4:23 PM: The rides are a mix again this year, some motorized:

Some human-powered:

While the main ride zone is on the west side of Alaska, between California and 44th, don’t miss the area with the free activities, including crafts and facepainting – just turn north, under the Wells Fargo overhang. This was organized by West Seattle Art Nest:

That’s Lashanna, who has long been delighting local kids with facepainting here (and other events like Hometown Holidays).

In today’s first report, we showed the West Seattle Hi-Yu float”Around the Sound,” now appearing in parades around the region, and getting ready for the July 18th West Seattle Grand Parade. Also making the rounds are Senior Court Queen Kelly and Junior Court Queen Emily:

If you see them, and have a dollar to spare, consider buying a Hi-Yu button – helps them cover the costs of showcasing West Seattle around the region, as well as the activities here at home (the Hi-Yu Concert in the Park, for example, is coming up next Tuesday, July 14th, 7 pm on the east lawn at Hiawatha, with the West Seattle Big Band).

4:59 PM: After a few years’ break, the festival-presenting Junction Association is selling T-shirts again this year. You have several options in colors and styles – including those worn in our photo by Emelie, Megan, and Annie:

You can buy a T-shirt at the Info Booth – from the team on the east side (facing the food zone), until about 6 tonight, then again 10-6 tomorrow and 11-5 Sunday, provided supplies last! Meantime, a quick shout-out to some of the WSB sponsors you’ll see at Summer Fest – first, Dream Dinners, in booth #62:

Dream Dinners, which you’ll find the rest of the year on the outer east side of Jefferson Square, is where you can sign up for sessions to prep recipes for meals you then take home and freeze until you’re ready to cook them – a great time-saver if you don’t have the time and energy to make everything from total scratch. Also here, Office Junction, which is part of the GreenLife sustainability expo at the south end of the festival:

OJ is West Seattle’s only coworking center – also an awesome hybrid of sorts – you don’t have to work in a cube but you don’t have to work alone. And right across from us, north of the Info Booth at California/Alaska, is the West Seattle YMCA, which got a visit today from a gaggle of adorable preschoolers:

The booth features activities including hopscotch – at which we’ve seen people of all ages trying their luck today. The Y is headquartered in The Triangle, where it’s getting ready to expand.

6:30 PM: Many, but not all, of the vendors have closed up for the day; the kids’ rides continue until 8 pm (ticket booth is on the south side of Alaska by the rides); the music’s continuing for a few hours too. Right now, Deep Creep is onstage.

At 7, it’s The Shivas; at 8, La Luz; then DJ Lance Romance at 9, and The Thermals closing out the night at 9:30. A popular question here at the booth is, where’s the stage? Answer: At the north end of the festival zone, north of Oregon.

7:19 PM: We’re wrapping up at the Info Booth – back 10 am tomorrow. When you come tomorrow, one thing you can do – register for the July 18th Float Dodger 5K! It’s a presentation of West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), which has a booth y:

You’ll find them in #150, east side of the street, between Oregon and Alaska. The 5K – wear costumes! – is right before the West Seattle Grand Parade. We’ll take a look later at more of the not-so-obvious things you can do while visiting. Meantime, people are still asking us a question looking ahead to Sunday: What about the Farmers’ Market? Answer: It’s back in the “old” spot, just for this Sunday (the lot at 44th/Alaska) – same hours, 10 am-2 pm (though the festival itself starts an hour later on Sunday, 11 am).

11:26 AM: An hour and a half into the first day of West Seattle Summer Fest 2015 – just about everyone is set up and the fun has begun. Again this year, live WSB coverage is headquartered in the Information Booth, in the middle of the Walk-All-Ways intersection at California and Alaska. It’s a bigger booth this year – we have company! The West Seattle Junction Association – which presents Summer Fest – is selling festival T-shirts on the east side, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society is on the west side – with their jar-full-of-Lincoln-logs guessing game, and more!

And as in years past, we’re on the north side – with festival programs as well as free info-cards and buttons for West Seattle Outdoor Movies, which start their six-Saturday run in the Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) courtyard on July 18th. Meantime, before we get to some more festival info, here are our quick infolinks:

In the meantime, it’s lunchtime. The food court is on the east side of Alaska, with traditional fair food like corn dogs, elephant ears, and curly fries – so tempting, this family stopped for a photo op with theirs:

Bang Bar is in the food zone again this year too, in addition to their year-round Thai restaurant on the east side of California north of Edmunds.

1 PM: Two hours until the music starts at the north end of the festival zone, with Gibraltar onstage at 3 pm, on California north of Oregon. Just south of the stage area, it’s Pet Junction, including not only the pet pools …

… but also some vendors and even organizations like the Coalition for Off-Leash Areas (a frequently hot topic in West Seattle, which has just one off-leash area, at Westcrest Park in southeastern WS). Speaking of animal advocacy … all the way from Whidbey Island, Howard Garrett of the Orca Network is at Summer Fest today:

It’s the first time the Orca Network is at the festival – booth #26, which is on the east side of California, between Alaska and Edmunds.

1:44 PM: Local merchants are a huge part of the festival – it started as the annual “sidewalk sale” many years ago. You’ll find lots of deals outside and inside stores. And you might even spot a few local businessfolk sneaking in a quick break:

2:02 PM: We have a longstanding offer to photograph any candidate or elected official who stops by the Info Booth – so far today, one visit, from District 1 City Council candidate Chas Redmond:

He and other D-1 candidates will be featured in a forum Saturday afternoon, 2 pm, in the GreenLife zone toward the south end of the festival. (Follow that link for the GreenLife schedule – at 3 pm, there’s a talk about e-bikes; at 4 pm, find out about going solar.)

As the “live” SDOT cameras in The Junction show, West Seattle Summer Fest setup is well under way; the festival officially begins at 10 am today! We’ve been counting down to it with advance info all week (and well before that), and have a few more things to mention:

WATER-BOTTLE REFILL STATION: Cut down on waste and cost – bring your own water bottle to Summer Fest; you’ll find a refill station at the GreenLife expo on the south end of the festival, sponsored by Bikram Yoga.

QUILT RAFFLE: From West Seattle Quilters:

You could win a handmade quilt and support the Senior Center at the same time! West Seattle Quilters have completed their 2015 raffle quilt to benefit the Senior Center. Tickets are $1 each, and all the money raised goes directly to the West Seattle Senior Center. Ticket sales begin July 10 at West Seattle Summer Fest (look for us outside the Stop and Shop) and in the Senior Center at the main desk. The drawing will be held October 30, 2015, during Rainbow Bingo at the Senior Center.

Every year, the West Seattle Quilters creates a quilt to raffle to benefit the Senior Center. This year’s quilt, titled, “Flying to the Stars” features soft blues and greens.

It would look lovely on a queen-size bed or hanging on a wall. West Seattle Quilters meet at the Senior Center on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 7 to 9 pm. Newcomers of all ages are welcome!

HomeStreet Bank is ready to accept your diaper donations for WestSide Baby’s Stuff the Bus Event! We will again be accepting diaper donations this weekend at our Summer Fest booth and also passing out frozen treats (while supplies last) at our Branch to help folks beat the heat.

HomeStreet’s booth is #144 on the map. Its branch is just east of the festival zone, at 41st/Alaska.

COMMUNITY TENT SCHEDULE: These are the great local nonprofits/volunteer groups you’ll find in the community tent:

6:39 PM: The barricades are up and people are walking in the street – must be West Seattle Summer Fest Eve in The Junction! The festival itself officially starts at 10 am tomorrow (see the basics here) but with the streets closed to vehicles – aside from those involved in setup, like the one in which festival producer Oliver Little and West Seattle Junction Association director Susan Melrose just rode by:

With outdoor dining/drinking areas set up, and live music at some venues, tonight brings a party all its own, especially with West Seattle Art Walk under way. Wander over to 42nd SW, across from Jefferson Square, where you’ll find artist Jessica Creager at Wallflower Custom Framing(WSB sponsor):

More to come! Better yet, just come down and see for yourself. And take the chance to play in the street, before all the tents get set up…

7:06 PM: Another Art Walk stop is Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) on California north of Alaska, where artist Hannah Viano is featured tonight:

They’re playing outsideWest 5, one of the places you’ll find outdoor seating set up just for the festival. Another one is Bin 41, which has a “wine garden” going, while The Beer Junction, of course, has a beer garden.

8:31 PM: The tent, stage, and ride setup work is getting more intense, but it’s still a beautiful night to stop down. We’ll add a few more photos back at HQ. (Like this one …)

(Photo by Duane Bakke – starring Peg)

Watch for one more round of Summer Fest info later tonight – and then we’ll see you at the festival tomorrow, Saturday, Sunday!

That’s artist Mindi Katzman, who we photographed this afternoon as she put up her new show at CAPERS in The Junction today, getting ready for Thursday night’s West Seattle Art Walk. (Mindi also created the distinctive trophies for last year’s West Seattle Car Show; read about her new CAPERS show here.) While WSAW happens on the second Thursday evening EVERY month, the July edition is our favorite because it coincides with what’s informally known as “West Seattle Summer Fest Eve” – the streets in the heart of The Junction close by 6 pm Thursday for festival setup, and that’s when WS Art Walk begins. Here’s how to plan your Summer Fest Eve:

Or just come stroll in the street, watch the festival zone take shape, have dinner at a Junction restaurant. Get your Summer Fest going early – see you in the street Thursday night. (P.S. Anybody else with something special in The Junction on WSSF Eve – let us know! editor@westseattleblog.com)

In the information booth at West Seattle Summer Fest (where you’ll find us again this year), a perennially popular question is: Where do I catch my bus? Metro has just published this year’s reroutes, in effect from 5 pm Thursday (July 9th) through late Sunday night (July 12th). We’re linking them all below, in case you want to get familiar with them in advance:

*>West Seattle Art Nest-organized activities – Theresa says, “We will be decorating homemade crowns and ‘fish sticks’ (paper plate fish glued to Popsicle sticks) and bracelet making! We are also going to have a community wall with a mural for everyone to color or draw or write a note; everything made is either wearable or easy to carry.”

*Facepainting with Lashanna, who’s at Summer Fest every year – as a Pathfinder K-8 parent, she helped establish the free kids’-activity area at Summer Fest eight years ago.

See the map for the kid-zone location. Also at Summer Fest, for families:

*Parents’ Rest Stop – City Mouse is offering its space to families with young children again this year – on SW Alaska just east of California.

GREENLIFE SCHEDULE: The sustainability zone at the south end of the festival (California north of SW Edmunds) has posted its schedule, with events ranging from info you can use to make your daily life more sustainable (including backyard poultry at 1 pm Saturday and , to discussions of development (featuring District 1 City Council candidates, 2 pm Saturday) and bicycling’s future (4 pm Sunday)

SUMMER FEST FOR KIDS:Basics here – more info in our next countdown update.

PET JUNCTION: Just north of SW Oregon, including pools to keep your pup(s) cool

T-SHIRTS: Love the Summer Fest logo? Come to the Info Booth at California/Alaska to buy a shirt!

WHERE IT’S HAPPENING: If this is your first Summer Fest since moving to West Seattle – California SW closes for festival setup between SW Oregon and SW Edmunds around 6 pm Thursday night (July 9th, which is also West Seattle Art Walk night and has some informal “Summer Fest Eve” elements – more on that coming up) and stays closed to motorized-vehicle traffic until late Sunday night (July 12th). Most of the block between Oregon and Genesee is closed too – that’s where you’ll find the stage and beer garden – but Oregon stays open to through traffic. Festival admission is free, but bring $ for kid rides, food, shopping. See you there!

P.S. – ABOUT THE FARMERS’ MARKET:(Added in response to Eric‘s comment below) For Summer Fest Sunday only, it’ll be back in its old spot, the lot on the southeast corner of 44th/Alaska. Same hours as always, 10 am-2 pm. (Then, after Summer Fest, as of July 19th and beyond, the market goes back to California SW between Alaska and Oregon.)

Less than two weeks now until the biggest event of the year in West Seattle – Summer Fest, happening in The Junction Friday-Sunday, July 10-12. If you’re not already part of it as a vendor or volunteer, here’s a chance to help make it happen: Tamsen Spengler from West Seattle Timebank says not only can her group use some of your time, the sustainability expo GreenLife – where WST and other organizations will be headquartered – has volunteer openings too. Go here to find out how to pitch in.

1:32 PM: In case you’re not already at the beach but were wondering – no, the Seafair Pirates have *not* yet landed. Today’s schedule suggested we’ll see them around 2:15 pm; already a big crowd, and of course, the Pirates’ landlubbing getaway vessel vehicle, the Moby Duck, currently in use (top photo) as a photo-op backdrop.

More vendors than we recall seeing in previous years, plus live music, bouncy toys for kids (ticket purchase required), lots to see and do, both west and east of the Alki Bathhouse (at 60th/Alki – and we can attest to parking being maxed out for at least half a mile in all directions).

1:49 PM: We’re told the Pirates are about 10 minutes out; meantime at the stage, emcees are rounding up kids for a “pirate contest.” Next update, when they arrive.

2:05 PM: The Pirates landed about 10 minutes ago, if you’re keeping score. After multiple rounds of cannon fire, Global Diving and Salvage’s Prudhoe Bay brought them to the beach, and suddenly they were mobbed.

ADDED 3:46 PM: Adding a few more photos before we move on to other news, and then we’ll have a big treasure chest of pix in Report #2 later. Above and below, photos by Gary Jones, including the mayor giving the Pirates the key to the city (or did they seize it?):

10:48 AM: It’s on! The 10th annual Morgan Junction Community Festival has officially begun, at and around Morgan Junction Park and vicinity, on both sides of California north of Fauntleroy. Vendors and activities until 5, music until 6. … The booth in our photo, at the entrance to the park, is where you want to stop first, for festival info and for the free “Bite of Morgan” tickets while they last.

Lots of delighted shrieks from the heart of the park, as his show continues. And lots of cool people stopping by the booth – among them, several who’ve said they’re new to West Seattle – summertime is a great time to really plug into the community by visiting events like this, browsing the vendors and organizations who are here.

NOON: If you’re looking for lunch, many options here. Food trucks are in the Washington Federal lot on the east side of California, across from the park; on the southeast corner of California/Fauntleroy, look for the barbecue tent outside West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), where you can buy fresh-grilled lunch with the proceeds all going to help cover festival costs (the festival-presenting Morgan Community Association is an all-volunteer, nonprofit community council).

(Michele at the Thriftway grill)
And there are restaurants in the vicinity too, along California both north and south of Fauntleroy. Meantime, coming up: 1 pm, the “Candidate Corral” opens alongside Beveridge Place Pub; 1:30 pm is the Bark of Morgan pet parade, followed by contests.

12:34 PM: The “Writer’s Realm” meet-the-author area continues – Allan Batchelder was holding court when we stopped by around noon:

Our preview didn’t have the exact-times schedule, so we photographed it over by the tent:

12:50 PM: Just got word the Seattle Police Mounted Patrol has arrived – an officer’s here with Chance – over on the south side of the park.

And along with taking advantage of everything at the festival, don’t miss Morgan Junction’s other attractions. Tom from West Seattle Cellars just stopped by to say hi and mentioned they’re having a rosé tasting 2-5 pm today – they’re at 6026 California SW.

1:16 PM: Also just arrived, Seattle Fire Engine 37.

Go see it before it gets called away on an emergency!

We’re also less than 15 minutes away from the “Bark of Morgan” dog parade. Meantime, we’re told the candidates are ready for your questions at the “Candidate Corral” for the Seattle City Council District 1 race.

(L-R, Pavel Goberman, Phillip Tavel, Brianna Thomas, Shannon Braddock, Chas Redmond, Lisa Herbold, Arturo Robles)
It’s a rare chance to ask what YOU want to know, instead of going to a forum and hearing just what the moderators ask.

1:44 PM: The dog parade has gone by, and now contests are under way west of where we are, on the north side of the park. Adding a quick Instagram clip above, photos to come. (Added:)

2:40 PM: Celtic music on stage now, with McKenzie’s Folly; the Tongan Singers/Dancers are coming up at the top of the hour – we see some young members of the group gathering on the sidewalk south of us. Speaking of the sidewalk – chalk art made today:

In the park, kids’ craft activities continue until 4 pm.

The vendor zone behind Zeeks/Feedback is open until about 5 (get here sooner rather than later) – people you’ll find there include Megan from Flourish Dance Project (WSB sponsor):

From the Seattle Public Library, Diana and Kristina – when you go to your nearby public library, ask them about Summer Reading Bingo (for adults!):

4:09 PM: Last hour for vendors and organizations – things have slowed down and some are packing it in already. Thanks yet again to all the wonderful people who have stopped by to say hi; we’ve had a great time hanging out in a new spot this year.

ADDED SUNDAY: A few more festival scenes from our photo reel. Here’s “Archer Addy” and mom Tracy Nachtrieb in the “Meet the Authors” zone:

Also talking with readers, Mike Hickey:

King County’s Doug Marsano with a young festivalgoer at the county’s booth explaining the ongoing local wastewater-related projects:

It’s almost here! Tomorrow brings the Morgan Junction Community Festival (presented by the Morgan Community Association, with co-sponsors including WSB), in and around Morgan Junction Park, both sides of California SW just north of Fauntleroy Way, 10:30 am-6 pm. Our final preview includes two more new features of the festival – first, with City Council District 1 voting starting when ballots arrive in about a month, it’s decision time, and if you’re still making yours, this might help:

District 1 City Council “Candidate Corral”

We’ve arranged for each candidate to have a table in a central gathering area, the Beveridge Place Pub parking lot, where you can sit and have one-on-one time with each candidate. You can visit with as many or as few as you like. Don’t have anything to ask in particular? Hang around and listen in and we’re sure you’ll want to join the conversation. All the candidates have indicated they will be at the Corral (we hope they won’t have last-minute schedule changes!). The candidates will be at tables between 1:00 and 2:30-3:00 pm, just to talk with YOU.

Also new this year:

A first for the Festival! The Seattle Police Mounted Patrol will visit in the afternoon, targeting between 12:30 and 4:00.

While the Mounted Patrol serves the entire city, it’s headquartered here in West Seattle, on the edge of Westcrest Park in Highland Park.

You’ll also find booths with local businesses and organizations you might be interested in finding out more about, both in the park and in the lot behind Zeeks Pizza (WSB sponsor) / Feedback Lounge – we’ll see you there!

Two days away from the Morgan Junction Community Festival (presented by the Morgan Community Association, with co-sponsors including WSB), this Saturday in and around Morgan Junction Park, 10:30 am-6 pm. In this preview – the music lineup, as announced by festival organizers:

The stage is in Morgan Junction Park; the festival is on both sides of California SW north of Fauntleroy Way SW – in the park, behind Zeeks Pizza (WSB sponsor) / Feedback Lounge, and alongside Washington Federal. Previous previews:

Another day closer to the Morgan Junction Community Festival (presented by the Morgan Community Association, with co-sponsors including WSB), this Saturday in and around Morgan Junction Park, 10:30 am-6 pm. In this preview – the food you’ll find! From festival organizers:

Food Trucks

This year the returning Hungry Me and the newly launched Nibbles, as well as Sweet Bumpas Ice Cream, will be in the Washington Federal parking lot at the northeast corner of Fauntleroy and California from 11:00 to 6:00. Hungry Me offers Asian fusion dishes, such as their signature “Kao Man Gai” (poached chicken and rice) and vegetarian, gluten-free “Peanut Sauce Curry.” Nibbles specializes in Southwest fusion dishes. Their “Smoky Meatloaf Sandwich” and “Grandma GG’s Shortcake” menu items sound tempting. This month, Nibble has been in the West Seattle Eagles parking lot and at the Des Moines Farmers Market opening day. Sweet Bumpas Ice Cream, meantime, promises “boldly flavored ice cream and treats from our cart.”

West Seattle Thriftway special promotion for the Festival

Thriftway will be holding a fundraiser BBQ again for the festival! This is much appreciated and is essential to our fundraising. This year, they will be grilling burgers and the suggested donation of $7 will also get you a bag of chips and a drink. Best deal around!

Plus: Beveridge Place Pub will again have a hot dog cart in their parking lot.

Bite of Morgan

Last but not least is the Bite of Morgan sampling, which starts at participating venues at 11:30 and goes until supplies run out. Six of our fabulous food businesses will provide free small samples in exchange for tickets issued at the MoCA booth in the park. Participants this year are:

Heading into summer-festival season, there’s always something big in view just days away – and this week, it’s the Morgan Junction Community Festival (co-sponsored by WSB), this Saturday in and around Morgan Junction Park, 10:30 am-6 pm. We’re planning daily previews, counting down to the festival – starting with a quick look at what’s planned for the youngest festivalgoers. From the festival committee:

Jennifer Young, owner of My Three Little Birds in south Morgan Junction, is coordinating the children’s activities. Chief entertainment for the kids is Bubbleman, of course. He begins his always-pleasing wild and colorful show at 11:30 in Morgan Junction Park.

(WSB photo from 2014)
Craft activities start at 11:00 and end at 4:00, include beading for older kids; and for the younger ones, making sailboats out of water noodles and paper jellyfish. In addition to the crafts, a face painter will be in the children’s area from 12:30 to 2:00, and LuLu Cakes will offer vegan cupcakes from 2:00 to 3:00.

We’ve already previewed the pet parade and contests you’ll find at the festival (here) and the author readings (here). Lots more to come – watch for the next round of preview info on Tuesday – and make plans to come to Morgan Junction on Saturday!

(WSB photos from 2014 Delridge Day)
Two months until the 2015 edition of Delridge Day – 11 am-3 pm Saturday, August 8th, at Delridge Community Center/Park, presented by VieWS (Visualizing Increased Engagement in West Seattle), with co-sponsors including WSB. This year, look for the return of the skating competition – a natural feature, given that Delridge Skatepark is right there – family fun, food trucks, and more.

(Photo courtesy MoCA, from last year’s Bark of Morgan)
If you weren’t already planning to come to the 10th annual Morgan Junction Community Festival at and around Morgan Junction Park on Saturday, June 20th – here’s some motivation: You have multiple chances to show off your dog(s)! The official announcement:

The Morgan Community Association (MoCA) is pleased to announce the return of the “Bark of Morgan” Dog Show at the June 20, 2015 Morgan Junction Community Festival. This is the 10th year of the popular Community Festival held at the intersection of California Ave SW and Fauntleroy Way SW in West Seattle.

The “Bark of Morgan” starts with the Parade of Pooches through the Festival Grounds. Costumes are encouraged. Canine contests are held after the Parade. There are six categories this year, with judging by audience applause. Here are the details:

1:30 pm – Pooch Parade: Leashed dogs and their human should line up by 1:30 pm north of Morgan Junction Park in SW Eddy Street. The parade will go through the Festival Grounds back to Eddy Street.

(WSB photo from 2014 West Seattle Car Show)
When the new presenters of the West Seattle Car Show had to regretfully announce one month ago that it wouldn’t happen this year, because the streets in The Junction wouldn’t be available, community commenters suggested South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) as an alternative. And now – it’s happening! Just in:

Swedish Automotive and West Seattle Autoworks are pleased to announce that the 2015 car show will happen on Sunday, September 13th, at South Seattle College! We are excited about this new collaboration with the college and thank the West Seattle Community for the idea. Registration and more information to follow soon!

Summer festival season is about to get into high gear. But community-powered events need community – even just a few hours, as per this request:

The Morgan Junction Community Festival, celebrating its 10th year anniversary on Saturday, June 20, 2015, is looking for volunteers to help out the day of the event. Setup help is needed at 7:30 am; teardown/cleanup tasks start at 6:00 pm when the festival ends. We also need people to work two-hour shifts from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm during the day for traffic/parking control, Bite of Morgan coordination, and information booth staffing. Contact Tod Rodman, volunteer coordinator, for more information and to sign up for a specific job. Tod can be reached at 425-445-1213, or todrodman@gmail.com.